spanman2

IALTO!

I think TK once said a big leaguer needs around 1500 or so at bats (not exact) before he truly can get it or not get it. So say you go below that number at around 1200 roughly 2 seasons. Polanco would be about halfway to that point. I certainly agree on the ups and downs. I am not saying he is the solution at ss for the next 10+ years but think he at least needs to be given the remainder of the season. Long tenured big leaguers have ups and downs. Due to experience they know how to deal with those ups and downs. Generally speaking they don't get too high on themselves when they are rolling and don't get too down when they are struggling.

IALTO

Not a single sane person in any one of those cities! It certainly is fun.

.679 winning % is 56 wins in the NBA/NHL and 11 in the NFL...certainly not uncommon...speaks to just how high in volume 162 game season is to get things to go your way for 6 months of constantly playing ballgames.

Agree 100% No bleeping way we could/would do that deal. The organization wouldn't even be in the same stratosphere vs. what the Cubs gave up. Really paints a picture as to the asking price for controllable starting pitching via trade.

I would say one of those deals where both organizations came out of it quite pleased with the outcome.

Zoinks

He has the talent for certain. Makes you wonder if it is between the ears where he is lacking. His confidence could be shot. Would be great if he could be counted on a consistent basis but that has not been the case.

Great article Seth...I think the questions raised within will give great insight as to the new FO'S take on this season and the future of the roster and minor league system. Personally I don't see them going the rental route. I think they want players that they would have at least a couple of years of team control over.

IALTO

Gold jacket/green jacket who gives a s^^t...great swing to emulate. Somehow someway figure it out Byron we believe in ya kid.

IALTO

I don't think we fully appreciate above said fielding performances until they are not made. Mauer has become a very good fielding 1st baseman and Buxton is as good as it gets in CF. Buxton's hitting continues to be beneath where it needs to be for certain. If he could get the BA up to around .250 while drawing some walks/strike out less and utilizing his speed that would be great.

Fantastic article...great insight as to the difficult road to the Big Leagues!

IALTO

Another opportunity for Gibson to prove he intends on not being sent down in the near future. Unfortunately from an inventory of legit talent standpoint we aren't overflowing in the pitching department at the big league level. If Gibson can continue to repeat the last couple of performances that would certainly be an upgrade to 3 reliable starters. Santana/Berrios/Gibson...Let us hope he can come through.

IALTO

Unbleeping believable but yet totally believable as these stories seem to pop up on a daily basis of young kids enduring this. We all did dumb things as 15 year olds but this a different animal all together.

Maybe you could take it out for a blind date. Fantastic article for certain.

I think the Dark Man's line says it all...RIP for certain Dark.

If I were those boys I would be taking in everything LaTroy has to say. Guy carved out a 21 year career! He had many struggles in the beginning of his career and transformed himself into a fantastic relief pitcher. Great asset to have him in the organization to help the kids out.

Didn't Yogi say '90% of the game is half mental'...perhaps it is something as simple as he is lacking in confidence between the ears or he is thinking too much? Whatever is going on with him hopefully it is cured soon...this game will eat you alive it you think too much!

Same here if you made me pick just one. I do find value and entertainment in all of them. Personally I like the fact Bert does about 100 or games or (I believe) per year. It is fun listening to others to color commentary.

It has everything to do with the $23/year he is making. Had the Twins let him walk can you imagine the bleeping you know what fans would have done? They paid him what the market dictated at the time. He was going to get PAID big time either here or somewhere else. You can argue to a certain extent they have been careful with their payroll since Joe signed that deal but you cant argue they didn't commit to a player who at the time was the best hitting catcher in the game. Time catches up to all of us eventually. Joe has had some years I am certain he thought were below par for a player of his caliber. Would it make people feel better if here making say $15/year and had times were he struggled compared to where he used to be?